NEWPORT BEACH — When hobbyist Russell Cross volunteered to craft a wooden train for his granddaughter's grad night party, he didn't realize the scope of his offer.

The 27-foot-long, red and black locomotive became the largest project he's ever made or designed. During the last two months, the 66-year-old retired Long Beach police officer clocked in some 300 man-hours over the last couple months building the replica train.